HC Deb 28 April 1971 vol 816 cc104-6W
97. Mrs. Kellett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he now expects to start his talks with the local authority associations on his proposals for the reform of local government in England; and what form he expects these talks to take.

Mr. Peter Walker

I have already met deputations from the Association of Municipal Corporations, the Rural District Councils Association and the Urban District Councils Association. I shall be meeting the County Councils Association within the next few days.

100. Dr. Vaughan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the local authority associations since the publication of the White Paper, "Local Government in England", and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

All the associations have agreed with the need for reorganisation and welcomed our intention to end the uncertainty which has hung over local government for so long. They have informed me of their general views on the White Paper and consultations on detailed aspects of our proposals have begun.

Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what criteria it is suggested in his White Paper that the new county councils would be better experienced and equipped than the new county district councils to carry out functions with respect to traffic management, street lighting and road safety.

Mr. Peter Walker

Paragraphs 11 and 19 of the White Paper are especially relevant.

Units responsible for transportation functions must be adequate in size and in resources to operate with a sensible external independence and internal cohesion.

Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will reconsider the proposal in his White Paper that the administration of building regulations should be vested in the new county councils rather than in the new county district councils, while, at the same time, the complementary responsibilities of development contract will be vested in the new county district councils;

(2) if he will reconsider the proposal that responsibility for clean air, refuse disposal and food and drugs functions should be vested in the new county councils as opposed to the new county district councils;

(3) as many library services provided by existing urban authorities have, in many cases, been tailored to local circumstances and requirements and, particularly in the county of Cornwall, relate specifically to local history, whether he will reconsider proposals to centralise library powers within the new county councils.

Mr. Graham Page

As promised in the White Paper, my right hon. Friend has begun consultations with the local authority associations on details of the final distribution of functions.

Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has had on the proposed unified staffing of planning departments of district and county authorities in the reorganised local government structure; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what representations he has had on the powers proposed to be given to district councils in the reorganisation of local government both to prepare and approve local plans; and whether he can make a statement on the subject.

Mr. Peter Walker

A number of local authority associations, individual local authorities and other bodies have commented on the White Paper proposals for planning. The Government will shortly be developing these proposals in consultations with the local authority associations and other bodies concerned.